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Breckenridge Golden Horseshoe trail network will gain a new trail Aug. 4-5 with the help of some 150 volunteers.

Originally constructed during Summit County's historic mining era, the trail network will construct its new trail by reopening a historic ditch for non-motorized recreational use.

The Galena Ditch, originally constructed approximately 100 years ago to convey water to area mines, will be reopened to accommodate hikers and mountain bikers traveling between the popular Horseshoe Dredge Trailhead and the three forks of the Swan River and the Colorado Trail.

The town of Breckenridge and Summit County jointly own a large portion of the Golden Horseshoe area, which is over 9,000 acres.

As a part of the Breckenridge Master Plan for open space, the area has an extensive existing trail network that crosses through town and county open space and sections of the White River National Forest.

"We are prioritizing this part of developing the Golden Horseshoe area because of how popular the area is for hikers and mountain bikers," said Kim Dykstra-DiLallo, spokeswoman for the town of Breckenridge.

Developing the trail will expand the area accessible by recreationalists, connecting to several other trails while navigating through some of the area's most historic mining centers, Dykstra-DiLallo said.

"Creating connectivity between these trails will allow hikers and bikers to get off of Tiger Road and onto more intimate trails," she said.

The new trail will be constructed through volunteer efforts being coordinated by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado in partnership with the town of Breckenridge and Summit County government in early August.

"Volunteering on a project like this can be incredibly rewarding," said Andrea Sinor, spokeswoman for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. "The results are immediate and it's very gratifying to see a trail that you helped build with your own hands come to life, especially one that you might use as a hiker or mountain biker."

Volunteers are encouraged to spend the night because of a celebration Aug. 4 where registered volunteers will be served dinner and music will be provided by The Pine Beetles bluegrass band.

"Beyond the rewards that come with the volunteer work, an event like this provides a great opportunity to be outside, spend time with friends, meet new people and be reminded of the wonderful place we all live and the amazing resources we have available to us," Sinor said.